Helen Dallimore in Don’t Bother To Knock

Adelaide Cabaret Festival, June 10-12

Review by Honey B

Helen Dallimore exuded sex appeal in the world premiere of her show Don’t Bother To Knock.The musical theatre siren transformed into four iconic trailblazing women as she celebrated the extraordinary lives of performers and business women Dolly Parton, Mae West, Marilyn Munroe and Madonna.These four powerful platinum pioneers were portrayed by Dallimore in her Cabaret Festival debut by just the adjustment of her gorgeous white beaded gown and the addition of a different wig for each.Dallimore breathed life into each sassy lady as she transformed to tell their unique stories which involved using sex appeal and brains to get to the top.It certainly seemed like Dallimore was having fun as each blonde on-stage, however her show was a bit rough around the edges as she found it hard to remember quite a few lines in each segment.Her musical director not only had to play piano but he also fed her lines throughout the show, which became quite tiresome.Still, it was these powerful women’s inspiring stories that the audience wanted to hear and when Dallimore gets the script ticking over this will be a five star show.Empowering!